Alabama Football: Najee Harris is the future of the NFL at running back

Najee Harris will make Alabama football fans proud in the NFL

Najee Harris joined Alabama football with all of the hype you can imagine. After four seasons with the Crimson Tide, he proved that the hype was warranted. He will now be heading into the NFL with similar hype.

Harris will likely be the first running back drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, and he has the traits you look for in a first-round running back. For Harris, this is perfect timing, and he has a chance to take over the NFL over the course of his career.

So, what specifically makes Najee Harris destined to dominate this era? His traits fit with where the NFL has been pivoting in terms of running backs. He is a dynamic athlete who can impact the game on every down. Specifically, his abilities as a receiving back will help him disrupt many games.

NFL fans have seen that almost every successful running back has a receiving element to their game. Dalvin Cook, Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey are all considered to be near the top of the league, and all do this well. Alabama football fans have seen Josh Jacobs make this transition from the college game to the NFL.

However, Harris is not just a receiver in the backfield. His vision and agility make him an all-around prospect. He can thrive between the tackles and on the outside. His strength makes him gain extra yardage with plays break down, and his ability to juke and hurdle give him highlight plays when he gets open space.

Najee Harris is great in the red zone, but he can win anywhere on the field. That’s how you score 57 touchdowns over the course of your Alabama football career. With his freakish athleticism and variety of skills, he is just what the NFL is looking for.

Many will scoff at drafting a running back in the first round, and that is usually the case. That being said, Najee Harris is an exception. He will impact every facet of an NFL offense, just like he did for Alabama football.